The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is moving toward stricter match-day control as it considers banning or regulating the use of towels by goalkeepers following disruptive scenes at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
CAF Referees Committee president Olivier Safari, speaking to Canal+ Afrique, stressed that towels are not recognised as official playing equipment and should not be allowed to influence play or convey instructions during matches.
According to Safari, any object brought onto the pitch that is not part of approved equipment must be removed if it interferes with the flow or fairness of the game.
The issue came to the fore during Nigeria’s semi-final clash with hosts Morocco, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly unsettled after match officials and ball boys interfered with his towels.
Similar incidents were also reported during the AFCON final involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, whose towels were handled or taken away by ball boys and opposing players, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
While Senegal eventually claimed the title, the incidents have raised concerns within CAF about consistency in officiating and match control. Discussions are now underway over potential regulatory changes, with disciplinary measures and clearer guidelines being considered ahead of future CAF competitions.
